The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken a significant step towards addressing the concerns of daily wage workers by forming a six-member committee to examine their regularisation process. This decision is expected to provide relief to thousands of workers in the Union Territory (UT) who have been seeking stable employment opportunities.
Formation of the Committee to Address Daily Wage Workers’ Regularisation in J&k Govt.
On Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir government formally announced the constitution of a high-level committee to assess the regularisation of daily wage workers, casual labourers, and seasonal employees. The decision was made following Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s statement on Tuesday, in which he emphasized the importance of creating a structured roadmap for this process. He further stated that the proposal would be presented during the next budget session before the legislative assembly.
Composition of the Committee
According to Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD), M Raju, the committee will be chaired by the Chief Secretary and will include key officials such as:
- Administrative Secretary of Finance
- Administrative Secretary of General Administration Department
- Administrative Secretary of Law
- Administrative Secretary of Planning
- Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister
This committee has been tasked with evaluating the humanitarian, legal, and financial aspects of regularising casual, seasonal, and other temporary workers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Scope of the Committee’s Work
The committee’s primary responsibilities include:
- Reviewing the current employment status of daily wage workers.
- Assessing the financial feasibility of their regularisation.
- Examining legal implications related to permanent employment.
- Suggesting possible solutions for fair and efficient worker regularisation.
- Recommending a structured policy framework to integrate these workers into the system.
Additionally, the committee reserves the right to include other members as required, ensuring a comprehensive review of all concerns associated with daily wage employment.
Impact on Daily Wage Workers in Jammu and Kashmir
The decision to set up this committee is crucial for the 67,000 estimated daily wage workers across different sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. These workers have long been demanding job security, fair wages, and access to government benefits.
Many daily wage earners have been working in government departments for years without employment benefits, pensions, or regular salaries. Their irregular work status has left them vulnerable, often leading to financial instability and uncertainty.
Expected Outcomes and Next Steps
The formation of this committee is a positive move, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing labor issues in Jammu and Kashmir. In the coming months, the committee is expected to:
- Conduct detailed assessments and consult stakeholders.
- Develop a policy proposal that ensures fairness and sustainability.
- Present a structured roadmap in the upcoming budget session.
- Work towards a long-term solution that benefits both workers and the administration.
The Jammu and Kashmir government’s initiative to examine the regularisation of daily wage workers is a step in the right direction. By addressing legal, financial, and humanitarian concerns, the committee aims to create a fair and transparent employment system. If successfully implemented, this move could enhance job security, provide better working conditions, and improve the livelihoods of thousands of workers across the Union Territory.
Stay tuned for further updates on government policies, employment reforms, and labor laws in Jammu and Kashmir.
